TORRINGTON -- "We're hoping to get back to where we're used to being," said Mike Fritch Jr, at the start of his third as Torrington High School's head boys soccer coach, after multiple years under his father.

"Last year wasn't up to our standards," said Fritch, who helped set the high standards as a high-scoring high school forward at Torrington before moving into the backfield in college.

Younger brother Chris was also part of the standard-setting at Torrington High School as a player. After several years of volunteer coaching on the sidelines, he joins his brother as assistant coach this year.

"Rich (Greeley) went back to school and I wanted somebody whose coaching I was familiar with," said Fritch.

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Even in a down year with inexperienced players, the Red Raiders qualified for the state tournament last year with a 6-9-1 record in the NVL.

The backfield solidified into a solid defensive unit by the end of the season. Up front, Eric Rinaldi's speed and size made him the go-to guy for Torrington's scoring. He graduated as an All-NVL forward.

"Last year's kids were doing it for the first time," said Fritch. "This year, they're experienced. We have a solid backfield, starting with John McCarthy at sweeper. He knows where he has to be and he knows how to cut the angles."

Rinaldi, Chris O'Herron at midfield and Josh Calibrese in the backfield are Fritch's key losses. The list of key returners is laced with those experienced defenders: McCarthy, a junior; senior Craig Peterson; and juniors Zack Paniatti, Nick Mancini and Chris Parrotta.

"We're good in the back. It's just a matter of putting it in the net -- like every year," Fritch grins.

The Raiders will start a pair of newcomers up front, but lots of scoring, especially in the physical NVL, begins at midfield. Jairo Borja, one of the key midfielders, is an experienced senior with the foot skills of a forward. Junior Shane Bierfeldt is another. Parrotta will sometimes come up to a midfield spot from the backfield.

Behind them all, junior Zack Paniatti presides as another experienced key in the goalkeeper's net.

"Our new guys have big shoes to fill," said Fritch of his offense. "If we can get Eric's production from the two of them, we'll be happy."

League favorites include "the usual suspects," smiles Fritch.

Naugatuck, Watertown and Holy Cross are always a challenge.

This year, Fritch expects Torrington to return to that list.

"We want to contend for the Copper Division title, then the NVL title."